The Cost of Non-Schengen: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs aspects

This study identifies the costs, in economic, social and political terms, of the (temporary) reintroduction of border controls between the Schengen Member States, with a special focus on civil liberties, justice and home affairs aspects. It recommends more concerted action at EU level with a view to returning to a fully functioning Schengen Area.  Regaining inter-Member State and citizen’s’ trust in the EU’s ability to tackle the deficiencies exposed by the refugee crisis should be an immediate priority. More concerted action at EU level is necessary to foster solidarity and cooperation between Member State authorities. Their work should also be supported through EU agencies, such as the European Border and Coast Guard, Europol, Eurojust and the European Asylum Support Office. The need for changes to the current Schengen governance framework should be further considered based on compliance with the conditions allowing five Member States to maintain their internal border controls until November 2016.